Honda has increased its UK new car sales to 53,640 within the first half of the year, an increase of approximately 7.5% on last year and equalling the company’s full year sales figure in 1996.

The Japanese carmaker cited a dramatic boost in Accord diesel sales, continuing demand for the CR-V and Jazz and the successful introduction of the FR-V as the reason for the sales boost.

British-built Civic and CR-Vs accounted for half of Honda (UK)’s car sales but diesels took an increased share (10% of the Civic range and 40% of CR-V).

Honda (UK)’s head of sales Phil Crossman, says: "This year is shaping up to be the company’s best ever, with a strong performance across the range – and particularly strong demand for our newly introduced diesels. Thanks to our innovative advertising campaign there is greater awareness of the Honda brand, while our cars are now seen as aspirational and exciting, rather than reliable workhorses, as in the past.

"And with the imminent arrival of the FR-V diesel, we’re expecting to further accelerate sales in the second half of the year."